13 Best Sad Romance Movies You Need To Watch Next

This article contains discussions of addiction and sexual assault.

At times, you might not be in the mood for a movie that follows the typical romantic narrative – boy meets girl, they face challenges together, and end up living happily ever after. On the contrary, sometimes, this is the last thing you’d want to watch. If you’re jaded by romance, going through a difficult breakup, or yearning for something different, there are indeed many movies that offer a more somber take on love. For every film like “When Harry Met Sally” or “Pretty Woman,” there is a tale of a couple who struggled to stay together (or one where they were torn apart by circumstances beyond their control).

While these films on the list may appear as “sad romances” at first glance, it might not fully capture their essence. Instead, they offer intricate and profound explorations of human emotions, particularly the painful reality that love, even with our best intentions, can often be excruciatingly difficult when those in love are unable to be together. If you’re seeking a tear-jerking cinematic experience, these 13 poignant romance movies should not be missed; they’re available for streaming here.

Blue Valentine (2010)

In 2010, Derek Cianfrance released his unconventional romance film titled “Blue Valentine”. Unlike typical romantic comedies, this movie immediately distinguished itself as something different due to its unique narrative structure and dual plotlines. The storyline jumps back and forth between the blissful beginnings of the relationship between characters Dean Pereira (portrayed by Ryan Gosling) and Cindy Heller Pereira (Michelle Williams), and their tumultuous married life, which is further complicated by their challenges in raising their five-year-old daughter Frankie.

From the start, it becomes apparent that Dean grapples with alcohol addiction, while Cindy strives to balance her work as a nurse and keep the family afloat. The dynamics between them are harsh and painful to observe. As we delve deeper into their story, we eventually learn that the foundation of their relationship wasn’t as joyous as it initially appeared, which gives us a fresh perspective on everything that unfolds.

In the intense struggle between Cindy and Dean concerning their marriage, parenthood, and personal struggles, Gosling and Williams give remarkable, intense performances that are among their finest career achievements. “Blue Valentine” is a heart-wrenching movie to watch, but it’s exceptionally well-crafted (and superbly acted).

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams
Directed by: Derek Cianfrance
Rating: R (Restricted) – Contains adult themes or language.
Length: 1 hour and 52 minutes
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, Peacock (Subscription required)

A Star is Born (2018)

In a departure from the other adaptations of “A Star is Born”, the 2018 version starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga stands out as the most emotionally impactful. Cooper, who both directed and co-starred in this film, discovered Lady Gaga after hearing her perform “La Vie en Rose” at an event, a song that later graced the movie’s soundtrack. Impressed by her talent, he cast her as Ally, an emerging singer-songwriter. Jackson Maine, played by Cooper, takes notice of Ally when she performs “Shallow” at a drag bar. As their relationship blossoms, they collaborate on stage during one of his concerts, where Jackson invites Ally to perform her original song “Shallow”. This marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey for these two artists.

In an electrifying partnership that’s hard to ignore, especially considering their passionate rendition of “Shallow” at the 2019 Academy Awards, Cooper and Lady Gaga shine. As the movie unfolds, it becomes clear that Jackson is consumed by resentment and addiction, while Ally finds success as a musician. However, her tragic loss of the man she loves forever leaves you heartbroken. The exceptional music draws you in, but the poignant, heart-wrenching love story keeps you captivated.

Actors: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott
Directed by: Bradley Cooper
Rating: Rated R (Restricted)
Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes
Streaming Platforms: Max (where it’s available for viewing)

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

Although there is a scarcity of queer love stories on screen compared to heteronormative ones, the French director Céline Sciamma introduced an exceptional addition in 2019 with “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” In the beginning, we encounter painter Marianne (Noémie Merlant), who is imparting art lessons when one of her students questions her about one of her paintings titled “Portrait de la jeune fille en feu” in its original French. Previously, she had been tasked with painting a portrait of a rebellious noblewoman named Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), who was to marry a man from Milan years ago.

In the film “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” Marianne and Héloïse develop an unforeseen connection while Marianne is painting Héloïse. Initially hesitant to interact with Marianne, Héloïse eventually becomes involved in a deep-rooted romance. However, since the story takes place in 18th century France, their relationship must face challenges that prevent them from being together. The final scene of the movie is a sight to behold, though revealing it here might spoil your viewing experience. If you’re seeking poignant, longing gazes, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” should be at the top of your watchlist.

Lead Actresses: Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel
Directed by: Céline Sciamma
Rating: R
Running Time: 2 hours
Streaming On: Hulu (available for viewing)

Past Lives (2023)

In all likelihood, you’ve pondered about a person from your past – someone you cared for deeply – and wondered how life would be if that relationship had prospered. This is the core dilemma portrayed in Celine Song’s captivating and thought-provoking directorial debut “Past Lives,” which presents two South Korean children, Na Young and Hae Sung, portrayed as kids by Seung Ah Moon and Seung Min Yim, who share a home in Seoul and nurture unexpected feelings for each other. However, when Na Young relocates to Canada, she adopts the name Nora Moon, and the two lose touch, eventually reconnecting years later.

In New York City, Nora and Hae Sung encounter each other once more in their adult lives, however, this isn’t a tale of romance… As they spent a decade separated, Nora found love and married another writer named Arthur Zaturansky (John Magaro). When these two reconnect, a whirlwind of complex and contrasting feelings arise for both, leaving you emotionally drained as the film concludes with Nora’s on-screen breakdown.

As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that the upcoming movie stars Greta Lee, John Magaro, and Teo Yoo. This captivating production is directed by the talented Celine Song. The rating is PG-13, ensuring a balanced viewing experience for a wide audience. With a runtime of 106 minutes, it promises an engaging and immersive journey. You can catch this cinematic gem exclusively on Paramount+.

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

In 2018, the film “If Beale Street Could Talk” was released, drawing inspiration from James Baldwin’s novel. This movie narrates the tale of two young lovers, Clementine “Tish” Rivers (KiKi Layne) and Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt (Stephan James), who reside in the Harlem neighborhood of upper Manhattan during the 1970s. As they navigate through segregation in New York City, they face challenges in finding a suitable place to live together. However, their lives take a devastating turn when Fonny is falsely accused of a heinous sexual assault by a woman named Victoria Rogers (Emily Rios). Despite the fact that Fonny was physically incapable of committing the crime at the time Tish provides an alibi for him, her testimony is not taken seriously.

In the story, Tish consults her mother Sharon (played by Regina King) about a difficult situation. Since she finds herself pregnant with Fonny’s child, there’s a possibility that he, unjustly imprisoned, may not be around to raise their child together. This heart-wrenching tale serves as a powerful critique of the American justice system and its entrenched racial bias, making “If Beale Street Could Talk” an essential viewing experience for Regina King’s award-winning portrayal.

Actors: KiKi Layne, Stephan Jones, and Regina King
Directed by: Barry Jenkins
Rating: Rated-18 (US Motion Picture Association rating system)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes
Streaming Platform: Hulu (stream it there)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Have you ever gone through such a painful breakup that you yearn to wipe your ex completely out of your memory? This is the predicament encountered by Joel Barish (played by Jim Carrey) in the thought-provoking heartache tale “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” masterfully directed by Michel Gondry and penned by Charlie Kaufman. Following a passionate relationship with Clementine Kruczynski (portrayed by Kate Winslet), Joel seeks to erase all memories… and upon discovering a way through a scientific facility named Lacuna, he undergoes their treatment.

In the storyline of “Eternal Sunshine,” when Joel initiates the memory-erasing process, he unexpectedly finds himself yearning to remember Clementine instead. This internal struggle creates an unusual psychological chase. Meanwhile, Dr. Howard Mierzwiak (Tom Wilkinson), who is performing the procedure on Joel, grapples with the guilt of having done the same to his employee, Mary Svevo (Kirsten Dunst), to erase their illicit relationship. Elijah Wood’s character, Patrick Wertz, exploits this situation by developing romantic feelings for Clementine. The movie beautifully illustrates the immense power of love and its ability to shatter us completely, leaving us in absolute awe.

Starring: Kate Winslet, Jim Carrey, Kirsten Dunst
Directed by: Michel Gondry
Rating: Rated R
Duration: 1 hour and 46 minutes
Where to stream: MGM+ (or watch on their platform)

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

One of the most exceptional films that didn’t win Best Picture at the Oscars is “Brokeback Mountain,” which transcends the label of being just a “gay cowboy movie.” This Ang Lee masterpiece revolves around two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), who share a summer tending sheep on Brokeback Mountain. Their relationship evolves into a deep-rooted love affair despite Ennis’ initial reluctance due to internalized homophobia. Interestingly, both characters eventually marry women – Michelle Williams portrays Alma Beers, Ennis’ wife, while Anne Hathaway plays Lureen Newsome, Jack’s spouse.

Over time, Jack persistently follows Ennis, especially after Ennis and Alma part ways (when she observes them together). However, when misfortune befalls him, Ennis is left on his own. The movie “Brokeback Mountain” becomes even more poignant in the shadow of Ledger’s untimely demise, but it also ranks among the most melancholic love stories ever narrated.

Cast of Characters: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Anne Hathaway
At the Helm: Ang Lee
Rating: This film is rated R
Duration: The movie runs for 134 minutes
Where to Find: You can catch this movie on Paramount+

Marriage Story (2019)

As a devoted admirer, let me share my perspective on “Marriage Story.” This movie is far from merely a single heated argument, as it has been humorously overused in memes. Instead, it delves deeply into the tale of Nicole Barber, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, and her long-time partner Charlie Barber, played by Adam Driver. They are a couple who have shared ten years together, grappling with issues that plague their marriage and their entwined careers in theater and film.

When Nicole discovers Charlie’s affair with his stage manager, the story takes an unexpected turn as they navigate a cross-country divorce while trying to co-parent their emotionally perceptive son Henry (Azhy Robertson). This film is not just about a fight; it’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities that come with the dissolution of a long-term relationship.

People who have experienced conflicts within a partnership or recognized that a relationship has become unsustainable will likely resonate with the film “Marriage Story.” In this movie, Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson deliver powerful performances that showcase their bitterness at its peak. Moreover, Laura Dern’s mesmerizing, Academy Award-winning supporting role adds fuel to the emotional fire. “Marriage Story” is a deeply moving film, even though the story it tells may be all too familiar to many viewers.

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern
Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Rating: Rated (for mature audiences)
Duration: 2 hours and 17 minutes
Available on: Netflix for streaming

Atonement (2007)

The movie “Atonement,” derived from Ian McEwan’s renowned novel, initially appears to be a simple love story involving tension. We follow the narrative primarily through the perspective of young Briony Tallis (played by Saoirse Ronan). In this tale, Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) develops feelings for Robbie Turner, the son of the Tallis family’s housekeeper, a situation that becomes more complex as Briony herself harbors affection for Robbie. As she secretly observes their interactions, Briony often misinterprets the nature of Robbie and Cecilia’s relationship. When she discovers them in an intimate moment in the Tallis library, Briony mistakenly believes that Robbie has committed a sex crime against a child and falsely accuses him. This tragic incident leads to Robbie being imprisoned, and he is later released only to serve in World War II.

In the later life of Briony, portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave, we uncover shocking facts about Cecilia and Robbie’s fate over the years, revealing that nothing is as it initially appeared. This poignant romance with an unexpected twist, “Atonement,” is a skillfully crafted movie that will leave you heartbroken.

Starring: James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan
Directed by: Joe Wright
Rated: R (Restricted)
Duration: 123 minutes
Available for purchase or rental on popular streaming services

Someone Great (2019)

The comedy-drama film “Someone Great,” created by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and inspired by two Taylor Swift songs (“Clean” and “Death by a Thousand Cuts”), is primarily about personal development and friendship. At its core, it’s a lighthearted, bubbly movie, but it takes a heart-wrenching turn with the central event – a painful breakup. When Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez) receives an opportunity to write for Rolling Stone in San Francisco, her boyfriend Nate (LaKeith Stanfield) calls off their relationship in preparation for her relocation. Accompanied by her friends Blair Helms (Brittany Snow) and Erin Kennedy (DeWanda Wise), Jenny decides to spend one last incredible night in Manhattan before she moves to California, leading the trio on an exciting adventure together.

What’s most heartbreaking about the movie “Someone Great” is unexpectedly seeing Jenny come to terms with the possibility of being alright without Nate, despite how painful the split initially feels. Ending a relationship can be incredibly distressing, but the film underscores that having strong friendships and believing in your own resilience might help you find a way to move on.

Starring: Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, and LaKeith Stanfield

Directed by: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson

Rating: Rated (suitable for adults and older viewers)

Running Time: 92 minutes

Watch it on: Netflix

Titanic (1997)

The movie “Titanic” encompasses various elements. It serves as an immense action-packed spectacle, meticulously recreating the true sinking of the once-invincible ship, the Titanic. Simultaneously, it is a deeply emotional love story between Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio). Initially, they hail from different social classes on this luxury liner, with Rose in first class and Jack in steerage. However, their disparate backgrounds do not deter them from falling for each other. Despite Rose’s detestable fiancé Cal Hockley (Billy Zane), their love blossoms. They envision a future together upon the Titanic’s arrival in New York. Unfortunately, fate intervenes when they encounter a colossal iceberg, forcing them to battle for survival.

The movie “Titanic” is visually stunning from start to finish, but it’s the performances of Kate Winslet as Rose and Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack that truly capture the essence of the film. The poignant portrayal of their love story, which ultimately ends in heart-wrenching tragedy, leaves a deep emotional impact on viewers. (And for the record, it’s important to clarify that Jack couldn’t fit on the door.)

Cast: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane (Main Actors)

Directed by: James Cameron (Film Director)

Rating: Suitable for ages 13 and up (PG-13)

Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes (195 minutes)

Watch online on: Hulu, Paramount+ (Streaming Services)

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

Occasionally, partners in a romantic situation might hold vastly contrasting views about the status and direction of their relationship, as portrayed in the film “(500) Days of Summer.” Throughout the film’s 500-day span, Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a greeting card writer, persistently tries to mold his ideal relationship onto Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel), who consistently expresses that she isn’t seeking a long-term commitment. As their relationship waxes and wanes, Tom persists in superimposing his own aspirations onto Summer, causing her discomfort – and when they part ways, Tom, heartbroken by the realization that he misunderstood their relationship, is left to deal with the aftermath.

Since its premiere, many people have misconstrued “(500) Days of Summer.” The reality is that Tom is more preoccupied with not listening, which ultimately leads to his own sorrow. If you’re prepared to witness a tragic love story unfold, this film is for you, but perhaps it’s best to watch alone rather than with your significant other.

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel
Directed by: Marc Webb
Rating: PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned)
Duration: 95 minutes
Watch Online: Available on Hulu and Disney+

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

In Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant jukebox musical “Moulin Rouge!”, actors Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor deliver remarkable performances that could very well be their finest yet. Set in the bohemian district of Montmartre, Paris in 1899, McGregor plays Christian, a young writer captivated by Satine (Kidman), a courtesan at the Moulin Rouge. One enchanting night, Christian is mistaken for a wealthy benefactor and drawn into a passionate relationship with Satine. However, after confessing his true identity, he learns that she’s hiding a secret: Satine is suffering from consumption. As they navigate obstacles such as the club’s proprietor Harold Zidler (Jim Broadbent) and the real wealthy benefactor The Duke (Richard Roxburgh), their love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of the Moulin Rouge.

A modernized rendition of Giacomo Puccini’s opera “La bohème,” titled “Moulin Rouge!”, blends the tunes of Madonna and The Police. This captivating production, labeled a “spectacular spectacular,” offers an irresistible blend of stunning costumes and grand spectacle. However, beneath the surface of glamour lies a heartrending love story between Satine and Christian, a romance doomed yet exquisite in its beauty.

As a dedicated gamer, here’s how I would rephrase the information you provided:

“I’m excited to let you know about an upcoming movie I can’t wait to see. The cast includes Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, and John Leguizamo! This masterpiece is directed by Baz Luhrmann, who has a knack for creating visually stunning films. It’s rated PG-13, so it should be suitable for most audiences. The runtime is 128 minutes, which gives us plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the story. If you’re curious about where to catch this film, it will be available on Hulu and Disney+.

2025-03-12 14:32